Fish net with length measuring scale

ABSTRACT

A fish net, comprising a frame, and a net, attached to the frame, and including a length measuring scale disposed on the net, configured to allow a user to determine a size of a fish held in the net by visually comparing the fish with the length measuring scale. In one embodiment the length markings include a zero point near the bottom of the net, with two coordinated scales sharing the zero point and extending in opposing directions therefrom, such that a user may visually determine the length of the fish by aligning the fish with the length scale, and adding the numeral designations which are aligned with opposing ends of the fish.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/015,487, filed on Dec. 11, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,615,532.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to nets used in sport fishing.More particularly, the present invention relates to a sport fishing netwith a length measuring scale incorporated into the net, such that auser may visually determine the length of a fish contained in the net.

2. Related Art

Sport fishing is a popular pastime, and, accordingly, the production ofsport fishing equipment has become a very large industry.Catch-and-release fishing, for example, is one method which has grown inpopularity, either by regulation in some areas, or by the voluntaryaction of fishermen.

Sport fishermen, especially when fly fishing, typically use a handheldfish net for scooping a fish out of the water. This is particularly truewhen fly fishing and when following catch-and-release procedures. Flyfishing practically requires netting because it is difficult if notimpossible to land a fish without a net when fly fishing. When using anet or releasing a fish from a hook, it is desirable to subject the fishto as little handling as possible.

However, some handling is frequently necessitated by catch-and-releaserules themselves. The rules regarding which fish must be released andwhich may be kept usually relate to the size of the fish, typically itslength. Consequently, upon catching a fish and scooping it up in hisnet, a fisherman must remove the fish from the net (which is sometimesdifficult because the fish is slippery, and is thrashing about), removethe hook from the fish, and place the fish adjacent to some measuringscale, such as a rigid ruler or flexible tape. Then, if the fish doesnot meet the length restrictions, the fisherman must put the fish backinto the water.

All of these actions are difficult to perform, time consuming, andsubject the fish to some level of trauma, sometimes needlessly. The timeand trauma involved can sometimes lead to major injury, or even theneedless death of the fish. Additionally, some fishermen, particularlynovices, may desire a method of measuring a fish which does not requireany physical handling of the fish at all.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It has been recognized that it would be advantageous to develop a veryquick method of determining the length of a fish which has been caught.

It has also been recognized that it would be advantageous to develop adevice for measuring the length of a fish which reduces or eliminateshuman handling of the fish.

The invention advantageously provides a fish net, comprising a frame,and a net attached to the frame. Disposed on the net is a lengthmeasuring scale, configured to allow a user to determine a size of afish held in the net by visually comparing the fish with the lengthmeasuring scale.

In accordance with a more detailed aspect of the present invention, inone embodiment the length markings include a zero point near the bottomof the net, with two coordinated scales sharing the zero point andextending in opposing directions therefrom, such that a user mayvisually determine the length of a fish by aligning the fish with thelength scale, and adding the numeral designations which are aligned withopposing ends of the fish.

In accordance with another aspect thereof, the invention advantageouslyprovides a method for measuring a fish, comprising the steps of: (a)placing a fish within a fish net having a length measuring scaletherein; and (b) visually comparing the fish to the length measuringscale, so as to determine the size of the fish.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be apparentfrom the detailed description which follows, taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example,features of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIBPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fish net with length measuring scalein accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a close-up flattened-out view of the length measuring scale ofthe fish net of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the fish net of FIG. 1, having a fishheld in the bottom of the net in alignment with the measuring scale,illustrating the effects of curvature induced inaccuracy.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated inthe drawings, and specific language will be used herein to describe thesame. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scopeof the invention is thereby intended. Alterations and furthermodifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, andadditional applications of the principles of the invention asillustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant artand having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered withinthe scope of the invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, in one embodiment, the fish net with lengthmeasuring scale invention described herein generally comprises a sportfishing net 10 having a frame 12, and a net 14 attached to the frame. Inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the frame includes a handle 16, and asubstantially closed loop portion 18 attached to the handle, the net 14being attached to and hanging from the closed loop portion 18. It willbe apparent that the frame could be configured in various ways otherthan that shown. However, the configuration shown in FIG. 1 is fairlytypical of sport fishing nets, and will be familiar to many likelyusers.

The frame 12 may be formed of various materials, including aluminum,steel, wood, etc. The handle 16 is preferably provided with a rubber orrubber-like gripping surface 22, and may also include a loop 24 or otherdevice which may serve as a safety strap, and may also be used forhanging storage of the net.

Disposed in a generally linear configuration along a surface of the net14 is a length measuring scale 20, which may extend from one side to anopposing side of the closed loop portion 18. The orientation oralignment of the length measuring scale relative to the frame of thefish net may vary. As shown in FIG. 1, the length measuring scaleextends from near the junction of the handle 16 and the closed loopportion 18. It will be apparent, however, that the length measuringscale could be oriented substantially transverse to the handle, or inmany other orientations.

The length measuring scale 20 includes a series of length markings 26and numeral designations 28. In one embodiment, the length markings 26represent standard units of length, such as English units (e.g. inches),metric units (e.g. centimeters), etc. With the net configured in thisway, a user can easily determine the size of a fish held in the net byaligning the fish with the length measuring scale, and visuallycomparing the fish with the length measuring scale to determine itslength in the units of the scale.

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the measuring scale 20 preferablyincludes a zero point 30 approximately in the center of the scale, whichmakes it particularly easy to use. The zero point is preferably locatednear the bottom 32 of the net, and the measuring scale 20 comprises twocoordinated scales 34, 36 sharing the zero point, and extending inopposite directions therefrom.

In this configuration, a user can easily visually determine the lengthof a fish 38 (shown in outline) by substantially aligning the fish withthe length measuring scale 20, and adding the numeral designations 28which are approximately aligned with opposing ends of the fish. Forexample, as shown in the flattened-out view of FIG. 2, the ends of thefish 38 approximately line up with the numerals 7 and 6. Accordingly, ifthe length markings represent inches, the length of the fish is equal toapproximately 13 inches.

It will be apparent that the length measuring scale 20 could beconfigured in other ways as well. For example, the zero point 30 couldbe at one end of the scale, such that upon viewing the numeraldesignations 28 which align with each end of the fish 38, the user mustsubtract the smaller numeral from the larger to determine the length ofthe fish. It will be apparent that the zero point could be at otherlocations as well.

Modified or non-standard units of length may be used in the lengthmeasuring scale 20, for reasons that will be more apparent hereafter.For example, the length units may be larger or smaller than standardlength units. Alternatively, the length units may be graduated ornon-linear, such that the distance between adjacent length markings 26gradually increases or decreases as one moves along the scale in a givendirection relative to the zero point. Similarly, the numeraldesignations could be any type of numerals, and are not limited to theset of Arabic numerals used by those who speak English.

In order to facilitate the rapid and easy alignment of the fish 38 withthe measuring scale 20, the net 14 is preferably configured to form apocket 40 into which the fish will naturally tend to rest in substantiallinear alignment with the length measuring scale. In other words, it ispreferable that the shape of the net be such as to naturally cause thefish to drop into a position aligned with the scale when a user scoopsup a fish therein. If, upon initial placement of the fish in the net,the fish is not adequately aligned with the length measuring scale, theuser may simply move the fish or juggle the net slightly to cause thefish to attain the desired alignment.

In one embodiment, forming the net into a pocket as describe isaccomplished by assembling the net from first and second side pieces 42and 44, and a substantially linear center piece 46. These three piecesare joined or sewn together along their edges. The first and second sidepieces have curved edges 48 and 50, while the center piece hassubstantially linear side edges 52. Joining these edges thus forms anelongate pocket 40 into which a fish naturally tends to rest whenscooped up into the net.

The net 14 may be made from any material which is flexible and strongenough for use as a fish net, which will not damage a fish, and whichwill allow water to freely flow through it. The side pieces 42 and 44may be of the same material as the center piece 46, or they may be madeof different materials. Suitable materials for the side pieces include awide variety of mesh or net materials, such as cotton, nylon, and otherpolymer materials such as polypropylene rubber. Other materials may alsobe used. The same materials may be used for the center piece, with theadditional requirement that the material of the center piece must besuitable for application of the length measuring scale thereto, whetherby printing, marking, weaving, embroidery, etc., as discussed below. Itwill be apparent that some net materials may be unsuitable for havingmarkings applied with inks, dyes, or silk screening, unless thecharacters in the markings are intended to be quite large.

The length measuring scale 20 may be disposed on the fish net 14 invarious ways. In one embodiment, the length markings 26 and numerals 28are woven into the fabric of the net, possibly using a different coloror type of material to form the woven markings and numerals. Thisapproach allows the markings and numerals to be visible on both sides ofthe net fabric, and makes the measuring scale equally useful regardlessof whether a user inverts the net from a given orientation. It will beapparent that the numerals may present a mirror image when viewed on oneside, when compared to the other, depending on how they are woven intothe net fabric. However, it will be apparent that many configurationsmay be devised whereby woven numerals can be provided on the net fabricin such a way that properly written numerals are visible on both sidesof the net. This method also tends to produce a durable scale, withlength markings and numerals which cannot be merely rubbed off.

Alternatively, the length markings 26 and numerals 28 may be applied tothe surface of the net 14 using a silk-screen or printing process, whichapplies the markings with inks, dyes, etc. There are a variety of theseprocesses, and they are well known. The construction of the net using asubstantially linear center piece 46, as described above, facilitatesthis approach by allowing printing on a flat, straight piece ofmaterial. It will be apparent, however, that the success of thisapproach may depend upon the nature of the net material where the scaleis placed. It will also be apparent that the markings and numerals maynot be as readily visible on one side of the net fabric unless themarking scale is printed on both sides. As yet another alternative, thelength markings and numerals could be embroidered onto the fabric of thenet. As in the case of the woven markings, this approach also produces adurable scale.

As noted above, the length measuring scale may comprise modified unitsof length. Referring to FIG. 3, this may be done to compensate forrelative curvature of the fish 38 and the length measuring scale 20. Itwill be apparent that, when a fish is held in a fish net of the typeillustrated in FIG. 1, it will tend to rest on its side in the bottom ofthe net 32, in a curved position, as shown in FIG. 3. When a fish ismeasured on a flat scale, its thickness does not substantially affectits apparent length. However, when curved and resting in the bottom of anet, the central axis 54 of the fish 38 is offset from the scale 20 dueto the thickness of the fish, and, since the central axis and the scaleare both curved, the fish may appear to be longer than it really is.

Consequently, the distance between the length markings 26 may bemodified to compensate for this curvature-related error. For example, ifthe scale 20 is intended to be in inches, each length marking may beslightly more than one inch from its adjacent marking so that the fishwill not appear to be longer than it is. The actual variation in thedistance between markings may be determined by trial and error.Additionally, because the difference may vary depending on the type offish, nets with different modified units may be made for different typesof fish.

Additionally, because the error may depend on the thickness of the fish,longer fish may tend to introduce more error because they will generallyinclude thicker portions. Thus, a length measuring scale 20 in which theunits are modified in a non-linear manner may be desirable. For example,a graduated or semi-logarithmic scale may be disposed on the net 14,such that the distance between length markings gradually increases withdistance from the zero point 30. Other variations may also be used.Because there is little visible difference between them, the lengthmeasuring scales depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 are intended to represent alllength measuring scales described herein, whether based on standard orconstant units, or modified units.

It is to be understood that the above-described arrangements are onlyillustrative of the application for the principles of the presentinvention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements can bedevised without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention and the appended claims are intended to cover suchmodifications and arrangements. Thus, while the present invention hasbeen shown in the drawings and fully described above with particularityand detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the mostpractical and preferred embodiment(s) of the invention, it will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerousmodifications can be made without departing from the principles andconcepts of the invention as set forth in the claims.

1. A fish net device, comprising: a. a frame; b. a net of flexible netmaterial, attached to the frame, the frame holding the net in a positionto land a fish; and c. a flexible length measuring scale, permanentlydisposed generally linearly on a surface of the net, such that a usermay determine a size of the fish held in the net by visually comparingthe fish with the length measuring scale.
 2. A fish net device inaccordance with claim 1, wherein the length measuring scale furtherincludes length markings, representing standard units of length, andnumeral designations associated with the length markings.
 3. A fish netdevice in accordance with claim 1, wherein the length measuring scaleincludes length markings representing modified units of length tocompensate for curvature of the fish and the length measuring scale. 4.A fish net device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the net forms apocket in which the fish naturally tends to rest in substantial linearalignment with the length measuring scale.
 5. A fish net device inaccordance with claim 1, wherein the frame further comprises asubstantially closed loop portion having opposing sides, and the lengthmeasuring scale extends from one side of the closed loop to the opposingside.
 6. A fish net device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the netis of a material selected from the group consisting of: mesh and netmaterials of cotton and polymers.
 7. A fish net device in accordancewith claim 1, wherein the length measuring scale comprises markingsdisposed directly on the net material, said markings being selected fromthe group consisting of: woven markings; embroidered markings; printedmarkings; and silk-screened markings.
 8. A fish net device in accordancewith claim 1, wherein the frame further comprises: g. a handle; and h. asubstantially closed loop portion, attached to the handle, the net beingattached to the loop portion.
 9. A fish net device in accordance withclaim 1, wherein the length measuring scale is visible on opposing sidesof the net, such that the net may be used in an inverted configurationwith respect to the frame.
 10. A fish net device in accordance withclaim 2, wherein the length measuring scale and the numeral designationsare visible on opposing sides of the net, and are configured to beproperly readable when the net is in an inverted configuration withrespect to the frame.
 11. A fish net device in accordance with claim 2,wherein the standard units of length are selected from the groupconsisting of English units and metric units.
 12. A fish net device inaccordance with claim 5, wherein the net further comprises: d. first andsecond side pieces with curved edges; e. a substantially linear centerpiece, having side edges, the length measuring scale being disposed onthe center piece; and f. the side edges of the center piece beingconnected to the curved edges of the first and second side pieces,forming a pocket in which the fish naturally tends to rest insubstantial linear alignment with the length measuring scale.
 13. A fishnet device in accordance with claim 12, wherein the first and secondside pieces and the center piece are of the same material.
 14. A fishnet device in accordance with claim 12, wherein the first and secondside pieces and the center piece are of different materials.
 15. A fishnet in accordance with claim 12, wherein the center piece is of amaterial selected from the group consisting of: mesh and net materialsof cotton and polymers.
 16. A fish net device, comprising: i. a framehaving; i. a handle; and ii. a substantially closed loop portion, havingopposite sides, attached to the handle; j. a net of flexible netmaterial, attached to the loop portion, the frame holding the net in aposition to land a fish; and k. a flexible length measuring scale,having length markings with numeral designations representing units oflength, disposed generally linearly on the net and extending from oneside of the loop portion to an opposing side thereof, the net forming apocket into which a fish naturally tends to rest in substantial linearalignment with the measuring scale, such that a user may determine asize of the fish held in the net by visually comparing the fish with thenumeral designations on the length measuring scale.
 17. A fish netdevice in accordance with claim 16, wherein the length measuring scaleincludes length markings representing modified units of length tocompensate for relative curvature of the fish and the length measuringscale.
 18. A fish net device in accordance with claim 16, wherein thenet is of a material selected from the group consisting of: mesh and netmaterials of cotton and polymers.
 19. A method of measuring a size of afish, comprising the steps of: a. placing a fish within a fish netdevice having a frame and a net of flexible net material, and a flexiblelength measuring scale disposed on the net material; b. aligning thefish with respect to the length measuring scale; and c. visuallycomparing the fish to the length measuring scale, so as to determine asize of the fish.
 20. A method in accordance with claim 19, wherein thestep of placing the fish within the fish net device further comprisescausing the fish to rest in a bottom of the net in substantial linearalignment with the length scale.
 21. A fish net device in accordancewith claim 16, wherein the length markings represent standard units oflength.